Downtown Columbia parking rates to increase

This fall, the cost of parking in downtown Columbia will increase -- but access to public transit will as well.

Columbia City Council members last night amended the city code to raise parking rates for both unmetered off street facilities and metered parking in the MU campus area. The amendment will go into effect October 1.

Meter prices on campus will increase from 75 cents per hour to $1 per hour. Parking pass prices will go up $10 a month but parking permit consumers will have an unlimited bus pass included in their monthly rate.

“I think also paying an extra ten dollars and then being able to ride the bus wherever, whenever, is a benefit,” Sixth Ward Councilmember Barbara Hoppe said.

City Manager Mike Matthes said the city expects to raise $300,000 in revenue from the changes. The money raised will be matched by a federal grant, making the total expected revenue $600,000.

The new revenue will be used to fund COMO Connect, an initiative to increase public transportation routes and decrease travel time. At a special session in May the City Council looked at a presentation from Columbia Transit for plans to upgrade bus technology, provide shelter stations, and offer options for handicapped customers.